About DSEFH

Here’s introducing a label that combines natural fabric and an international design aesthetic into flawless garments inspired by the diverse heritage of India’s North-East. Sweet details like stylish buttons, unique bows, and distinctive necklines display a strong construction technique. Specially created weaves, an interesting use of vegetable dyes and an earthy simplicity redefines the use of organic material in apparel. Take a glimpse into the world of Daniel Syiem's Ethnic Fashion House…come return to nature.

The Story of a Fabric

What gives personality to all DSEFH products is the use of Ryndia, a unique, local fabric. This fabric is known commonly as Eri Silk and is hand-woven by the women weavers of the Ri-Bhoi district in Meghalaya. A heritage fabric, its making has been passed down from generation to generation of weavers. The Eri worms which produce this famous silk are known in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills as Niang Ryndia. It is from here that the local name of the fabric is derived. This art of weaving goes back hundreds of years when the community was self-sustainable in every way.

A unique feature of the Ryndia is that its natural properties enable it to be cool when worn in summers and warm during use in low temperatures, perfectly adaptable to different climatic conditions. Apart from its thermal properties, this fabric has the goodness of medicinal attributes also and feels like second skin.

The Hands Behind Ryndia

Weaving is a means of livelihood, as well as, an integral part of the indigenous lifestyle of tribes of North East India since thousands of years. A close-knit community of women weavers in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya are into weaving. They not only weave the yarn, but are involved in the sericulture of producing the Eri Silk by the age-old tradition of extracting silk from the cocoons. There are various processes involved in making the final fabric. It begins from rearing of silk worms, to spinning and reeling of silk resulting in the production of the yarn. Then comes the process of dyeing the yarn in various natural, vegetable and organic colours through vegetable dyes. These gorgeous colours range from natural ivory, turmeric yellow, amaranthine red, forest green, earthy browns. Traditional floor looms are used to weave the silk into pieces of fabric, which are then fashioned into different products. The highlight of this weaving craft is that all processes are environmental-friendly, cultural and traditionalistic in nature. This craft is a spiritual display of the deep connection the women weavers have to the earth, displaying their respect towards the environment and region they belong to. DSEFH aims to create employment for weavers, workers, artisans and safeguard ancient weaves by promoting its usage. We continue to support and encourage them by making their craft economically viable. We bring in innovative and artistic ideas to create beautiful tribal & contemporary patterns in lovely color combinations. Additionally, local organic materials like bamboo & wood are also used to create DSEFH products.